Book Study:Worksheets Don't Grow Dendrites:Chapter 3


Book study time!! This chapter was all about FIELD TRIPS!!!! Field trips are one of those things that a lot of teachers don't have control of. Most schools around here, including mine, get 1 spring field trip to end the year. I have gone to the zoo, and to the Museum of Discovery with my classes over the last 3 years. My first year I worked at a private school and the parents were COMPLETELY in charge of the field trip. They took us to the skating rink. It was a lot of fun, and my kids couldn't believe I could skate! :) It was a good bonding experience for the end of the year.

Now I teach in tiny town Arkansas, and not only do I get just 1 field trip per year, I am 1 hour away from anything....and I mean anything...even Wal-Mart. And I am 2 hours away from the nearest museum, zoo,( insert any other good field trip spot here). So, we don't get to stay at our location for more than a few hours before it's time to head back to school. So one thing that I have delved into the last 4 years are virtual field trips!!! They are a ton of fun, and they get the kids creative juices flowing!!

Here is picture of my personal daughter on our zoo field trip last year. :)

One of my favorite virtual field trips we go on is to Sea World! I use this little field trip when we study penguins because they have online live surveillance from their penguin exhibit!! You should see those kiddos sweet faces when the animal they have been learning about for several days is alive right in front of them! And, it's the best writing they do all year. Some kids just start writing what they are observing the penguins doing. Some, make up stories for their favorite. We also look at the maps, and talk about the features of the map, and what all they have at Sea World. By the end of the week my kids are rearing to go to Sea World. I just wish we had the means to take them all! :) Here is the link for the penguin cam if you are interested!

http://seaworldparks.com/en/seaworld-orlando/animalvision/viewanimals/penguins/


Another thing that we do at my school are community trips. I LOVE this, and I just think our principal is the best in the world for letting us do this because I know what a luxury it is. We visit the surrounding nursing homes at least 4 times per year. Each grade does this. In the fall we sing them songs, and in the spring we read to them, and perform our show stopping number of kindergarten graduation. Sometimes, if it's around the holiday's or just because we make and take them cards. My kids are always reluctant at first, but it's amazing to see how much they grow up, and how much compassion that they show for their elders. I think it is so important to teach the kids about community service at such a young age, and I'm so thankful to be apart of a school that does as well.


This chapter also talked about making use of the space you have. Have class outside, do things around the school, have speakers come to your classroom, etc. I can do better at this, and if it EVER stops snowing I can have class outside! :)


So, the summation of this chapter...field trips are important! :) We all knew that, and it's nice to see some research behind it. What did you think? If you haven't joined in yet it's not too late! :)

Comments

  1. I love that you visit your local nursing home - what a wonderful character building "field trip" for your kiddos {and a lovely experience for those in the nursing home}.

    Holly
    Crisscross Applesauce in First Grade

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  2. Thank you for sharing the link for the penguins! The kids would love that! I just love the nursing home trip. I am sure your kids love it and those at the nursing home must just love seeing the kids come and visit! Enjoy the rest of the weekend!

    recipeforteaching

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